CTA Reroutes 8 Lines for State Street Work

Eight CTA bus routes detour around State Street from April 13 to May 25, 2026

CTA Reroutes 8 Bus Routes for State Street Work

Eight Chicago Transit Authority bus routes will detour around State Street construction starting April 13, affecting downtown commuters for six weeks. Southbound State Street will close between Wacker and Randolph through May 25, 2026, transit officials said. Northbound buses won't be affected by the construction work.

Construction Closes Key Downtown Corridor

The closure affects a critical stretch of State Street in Chicago's Loop, where multiple bus routes converge to serve office workers and downtown visitors. Construction work in the area requires the temporary closure to ensure worker safety and project completion, according to the transit agency. The six-week timeline represents a significant disruption to one of the city's busiest transit corridors. State Street serves as a major north-south artery through downtown Chicago, carrying thousands of bus riders daily.

Riders Must Use Alternate Boarding Locations

Most southbound passengers on affected routes should board at the southwest corner of State and Washington during the construction period. The #148 Clarendon/Michigan Express has a different temporary stop at Michigan and South Water. Route #2 is among the eight lines impacted by the reroute, along with seven other downtown bus routes. Officials said northbound service will continue operating on State Street without changes, maintaining regular stops for passengers heading north through the Loop.

Six-Week Detour Runs Through Late May

The reroute takes effect April 13, 2026, and continues through May 25, 2026, giving the city a six-week window to complete the State Street construction project. Transit officials said the work must be done during this period to minimize longer-term disruptions. The agency didn't specify what type of construction necessitates the street closure or whether the project could extend beyond the scheduled end date.

Commuters Advised to Plan Extra Travel Time

CTA officials are urging passengers to allow additional time for their commutes and plan trips carefully during the construction period. Riders unfamiliar with the temporary boarding locations should arrive early to locate alternate stops. Moovit provides real-time CTA bus tracking and can help passengers navigate the temporary route changes and find alternate boarding locations throughout the six-week construction period.